Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana
Abstract Background Due to rising food insecurity, natural resource scarcity, population growth, and the cost of and demand for animal proteins, insects as food have emerged as a relevant topic. This study examines the nutrient content of the palm weevil larva (Rhynchophorus phoenicis), a traditiona...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2020-04-01
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| Series: | BMC Nutrition |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40795-020-0331-6 |
| _version_ | 1819101364214562816 |
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| author | Megan E. Parker Stephanie Zobrist Herman E. Lutterodt Cyril R. Asiedu Chantal Donahue Connor Edick Kimberly Mansen Gretel Pelto Peiman Milani Shobhita Soor Amos Laar Cyril M. Engmann |
| author_facet | Megan E. Parker Stephanie Zobrist Herman E. Lutterodt Cyril R. Asiedu Chantal Donahue Connor Edick Kimberly Mansen Gretel Pelto Peiman Milani Shobhita Soor Amos Laar Cyril M. Engmann |
| author_sort | Megan E. Parker |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Due to rising food insecurity, natural resource scarcity, population growth, and the cost of and demand for animal proteins, insects as food have emerged as a relevant topic. This study examines the nutrient content of the palm weevil larva (Rhynchophorus phoenicis), a traditionally consumed edible insect called akokono in Ghana, and assesses its potential as an animal-source, complementary food. Methods Akokono in two “unmixed” forms (raw, roasted) and one “mixed” form (akokono-groundnut paste) were evaluated for their macronutrient, micronutrient, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles. Results Nutrient analyses revealed that a 32 g (2 tbsp.) serving of akokono-groundnut paste, compared to recommended daily allowances or adequate intakes (infant 7–12 months; child 1–3 years), is a rich source of protein (99%; 84%), minerals [copper (102%; 66%), magnesium (54%; 51%), zinc (37%; 37%)], B-vitamins [niacin (63%; 42%), riboflavin (26%; 20%), folate (40%; 21%)], Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) (440%; 366%), and linoleic acid (165%; 108%). Feed experiments indicated that substituting palm pith, the typical larval diet, for pito mash, a local beer production by-product, increased the carbohydrate, potassium, calcium, sodium, and zinc content of raw akokono. Akokono-groundnut paste meets (within 10%) or exceeds the levels of essential amino acids specified by the Institute of Medicine criteria for animal-source foods, except for lysine. Conclusions Pairing akokono with other local foods (e.g., potatoes, soybeans) can enhance its lysine content and create a more complete dietary amino acid profile. The promotion of akokono as a complementary food could play an important role in nutrition interventions targeting children in Ghana. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-22T01:17:29Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-24dfab45a878472898c73f332c227ac4 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2055-0928 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-22T01:17:29Z |
| publishDate | 2020-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Nutrition |
| spelling | doaj.art-24dfab45a878472898c73f332c227ac42022-12-21T18:43:48ZengBMCBMC Nutrition2055-09282020-04-016111110.1186/s40795-020-0331-6Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in GhanaMegan E. Parker0Stephanie Zobrist1Herman E. Lutterodt2Cyril R. Asiedu3Chantal Donahue4Connor Edick5Kimberly Mansen6Gretel Pelto7Peiman Milani8Shobhita Soor9Amos Laar10Cyril M. Engmann11PATH, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and NutritionPATH, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and NutritionDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyPATH, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and NutritionPATH, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and NutritionPATH, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and NutritionDivision of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell UniversitySight and Life FoundationAspire Food GroupDepartment of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of GhanaPATH, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and NutritionAbstract Background Due to rising food insecurity, natural resource scarcity, population growth, and the cost of and demand for animal proteins, insects as food have emerged as a relevant topic. This study examines the nutrient content of the palm weevil larva (Rhynchophorus phoenicis), a traditionally consumed edible insect called akokono in Ghana, and assesses its potential as an animal-source, complementary food. Methods Akokono in two “unmixed” forms (raw, roasted) and one “mixed” form (akokono-groundnut paste) were evaluated for their macronutrient, micronutrient, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles. Results Nutrient analyses revealed that a 32 g (2 tbsp.) serving of akokono-groundnut paste, compared to recommended daily allowances or adequate intakes (infant 7–12 months; child 1–3 years), is a rich source of protein (99%; 84%), minerals [copper (102%; 66%), magnesium (54%; 51%), zinc (37%; 37%)], B-vitamins [niacin (63%; 42%), riboflavin (26%; 20%), folate (40%; 21%)], Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) (440%; 366%), and linoleic acid (165%; 108%). Feed experiments indicated that substituting palm pith, the typical larval diet, for pito mash, a local beer production by-product, increased the carbohydrate, potassium, calcium, sodium, and zinc content of raw akokono. Akokono-groundnut paste meets (within 10%) or exceeds the levels of essential amino acids specified by the Institute of Medicine criteria for animal-source foods, except for lysine. Conclusions Pairing akokono with other local foods (e.g., potatoes, soybeans) can enhance its lysine content and create a more complete dietary amino acid profile. The promotion of akokono as a complementary food could play an important role in nutrition interventions targeting children in Ghana.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40795-020-0331-6Edible insectsAnimal-source foodComplementary foodNutrient profileGhana |
| spellingShingle | Megan E. Parker Stephanie Zobrist Herman E. Lutterodt Cyril R. Asiedu Chantal Donahue Connor Edick Kimberly Mansen Gretel Pelto Peiman Milani Shobhita Soor Amos Laar Cyril M. Engmann Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana BMC Nutrition Edible insects Animal-source food Complementary food Nutrient profile Ghana |
| title | Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana |
| title_full | Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana |
| title_fullStr | Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana |
| title_full_unstemmed | Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana |
| title_short | Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana |
| title_sort | evaluating the nutritional content of an insect fortified food for the child complementary diet in ghana |
| topic | Edible insects Animal-source food Complementary food Nutrient profile Ghana |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40795-020-0331-6 |
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